[HELP] sheet metal advice

[marciklein1969]

I need to make 12.5 x 18.5 inch steel panels that will slide in a channel. they will be powder coated and used for a furniture line. Im not sure if i should do 16 or 18 gauge and if I would need to fold any edges for stability. Any advice?

[Bigbadbugga]

I would fold a 180degree return on the inside of the panels, it would take the sharp edges off and give the edges a rigid spine.

[stevec]

Marci,there have been two previous posts regarding the above, after responding to the first I found the second and edited the first and before having a go at the second I checked for more and found the third.
I have some experience with this type of aluminum extrusion and am willing to share my experiences.
For now I will wait to see if there are any more posts.
They should have been posted under the same heading for continuity for the reader/responders.

[marciklein1969]

thank you for your response. there are 2 metal aspects to the furniture line- 1. a structural frame of square aluminum extrusion and 2. steel sliding panels. i posted the questions separately to keep them brief and to the point.

[TomG]

Square aluminum is much more expensive than steel, is more difficult and expensive to weld than steel and is more difficult to coat than steel. In other words, I would use thin wall steel tubing rather than aluminum for the frame.

18 gauge steel sheet with a "U" bend on the edges would work well for the doors.

Tom

[stevec]

Again! with the confusion started in the first post and continued in the separate different titled posts!
Tom she's talking about extruded aluminum framing pieces like this. http://www.alufabinc.com/
It's great (expensive) stuff I used it for a sorter, labeller, counting machine I made for a customer.

[Dr Stan]

I've used similar systems to build machine enclosures and while the material tends to be pricey the reduction in labor costs usually off sets the higher price. Typically they are not welded together, but are assembled with fasteners of various designs.

I'd look around on the web as I've seen advertisements for aluminum framing targeted to office furniture applications that was anodized. It does add to the cost, but is much thinner than powder coating which may tend to make for difficulties during assembly.

As for the doors I agree with Bigbadbugga, just fold over the edges. One can also purchase pre-painted sheet steel as it is used for many race car bodies, especially dirt track. Probably cheaper than powder coating.

BTW, have you considered other materials for the doors such as laminate, Masonite, luan plywood, colored acrylic sheeting, or many other potential materials? Cut to size, drill for the knob and assemble. Done.